B Vitamins
Now that B vitamins and B-complex have been explained let’s talk about stress. Vitamin B-5 (pantothenic acid) is often called the anti-stress vitamin. Who would think that a vitamin could alleviate stress? B-5 works to balance adrenal gland function, which helps balance mood. A deficiency in this vitamin or any of the other B’s, including folic acid, can lead to depression, fatigue, and insomnia. B vitamins do much more than enhance mood. Let’s start with Vitamin B-12. B-12 (cobalamin) is key in proper nervous system development and prevention of infertility in men. B-12 also improves memory and heart health.
B-6 (pyridoxine) has a role in preventing carpal tunnel syndrome. Weakness, numbness, tingling, and pain in the wrists and arms caused by repetitive motion characterize carpal tunnel syndrome. B-6 works by improving the function of the sheath that surrounds the tendons. In regard to hormone function, diabetes and B-6 deficiency contribute to each other.
Vitamin B-3 (niacin) improves blood circulation by dilating the arteries, especially in the brain. B-3 is key in metabolizing carbohydrates for boosting energy.
B-2 (riboflavin) helps metabolize carbohydrates, fat, and protein and therefore creates energy. B-2 also keeps the skin and eyes healthy and prevents mouth ulcers, migraine headaches and cataracts.
Other members of the B family, such as thiamin, enhance the ability to retain knowledge through memory. Inositol is involved in immunity, liver function and cell membrane health. Inositol also lowers cholesterol levels, improves injured skin and protects the heart. Choline helps liver function, heart health and memory. Biotin (B-7) is known to help improve the skin.
So you see, the B’s are a very important family of vitamins. The B’s are needed for both physical and mental health. A shortage of these vitamins can cause loss of appetite, depression, memory loss, and sluggish thinking. The best way to ensure that one is getting the proper balance of B’s is to take a B-complex supplement. The brand that I take is Shaklee’s B-complex. Shaklee does extensive case studies on every one of their vitamins and even puts the results right in the product order pamphlet. I hope you can find a B that you like and stick with it. You will be able to get a better grip on your everyday stress, and you’ll be doing your entire body a favor. The health benefits are truly amazing.
The Huntingdon Health and Wellness Association makes no medical claims or recommendations. Check with your doctor about your specific health care needs.